Simulation of CO₂ Absorption Using the System K₂CO₃-Piperazine

Abstract

CO₂ is one of the main sources of global warming affecting the environment. It is one of the biggest challenges of future to reduce CO₂ emissions in addition to capture and disposal of CO₂ produced as a result of burning of fossil fuels. In this work, CO₂ removal from biogas by absorption process is studied. For CO₂ absorption from biogas, aqueous K₂CO₃ and piperazine solvents are used independently and then ultimately in a combination. Equilibrium studies are done to calculate capabilities of simulation tool Aspen Plus® towards the component systems CO₂/H₂O/PZ, CO₂/H₂O/K₂CO₃ and finally CO₂/H₂O/PZ/K₂CO₃. Validation and comparisons of equilibrium studies were made with literature data. Furthermore, all the mentioned systems were then compared using typical parameter ranges for biogas composition and conditions. The effect on absorption loading capacity of CO₂ was studied by varying parameters of temperature, pressure and biogas composition.